da Vinci esophagectomy

Also known as:
Robotic-assisted esophagectomy

Surgery is generally the most effective way to treat disorders of the heart, lungs and esophagus. But traditional open surgery has a number of drawbacks caused primarily by the large incision required, splitting the breastbone and spreading the ribs to access the chest cavity. In addition to an eight to 10 inch scar down the center of your chest, splitting of the breastbone leads to a long recovery time of eight to twelve weeks as well as a long delay before you will return to normal daily activities.

Fortunately, less invasive options are available for patients facing cardiothoracic surgery. Many cardiothoracic surgeons now recognize the benefits of small incisions made between the ribs to perform coronary bypass or make repairs to the heart or esophagus by using thoracoscopy – the insertion of a miniaturized video camera between the ribs. But this approach has limitations and is not often appropriate for more complex cardiac procedures.

The da Vinci® Surgical System provides surgeons and patients with what may be the most effective, least invasive treatment option for even the most complex cardiothoracic procedures. Among the potential benefits of da Vinci® cardiothoracic surgery are:

Reduced risk of infection

Less blood loss and need for blood transfusions

Shorter hospital stay

Less pain and scarring

Faster recovery and return to normal activities

Also, surgery with da Vinci offers the potential for a better clinical outcome.

Providence Health & Services was the first hospital system in Oregon to invest in robotic technology, leading a breakthrough in minimally invasive surgical care. While laparoscopic techniques are ideal for simple surgeries, the unmatched precision of the da Vinci® Surgical System enables our credentialed surgeons to conduct more complex procedures, where previously an open surgery was the only choice.